Local 3 North Jersey Retirees Meet in Long Island
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY/NORTH JERSEY CHAPTER — Greetings from your brothers and sisters at Local 3! Our North New Jersey Chapter of the IBEW Retirees’ Association had a great time at the Long Island Education Center in July. We wish you a happy, healthy Labor Day.
James Rella, R.S.
Local 11 Retirees’ 50th Anniversary Luncheon
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 11, LOS ANGELES, CA — The local’s Retirees’ Club celebrated its 50th anniversary June 11 with a luncheon at the main office in Pasadena, where about 100 members were in attendance.
Business Manager Robert Corona stopped by before the luncheon to wish us well. We were also blessed to have four of our past business managers, from 1984 through 2023 (see photo), attending the luncheon, and they each spoke about their time in office and their pride in serving Local 11 as business manager, saying it was the highlight of their careers.
Our guest speaker was Mark Meyer of the Ninth District, who informed us of the IBEW’s efforts to increase awareness with the younger generations that the IBEW is a great career path. He said the IBEW advertises at NFL games, and it is projected that we’ll need a lot of new members in the coming years to fill the demand for skilled electricians.
Al Etherton, Pres.
Community, Care and a Long Road Ahead
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 26, WASHINGTON, DC — As we approach the fall season, the Retired Members’ Club reunited after our usual summer break. Our last meeting was in May, and we resume regular meetings in September to reconnect with friends and plan ahead.
Before the summer slowdown, April brought a special highlight: the annual awards luncheon honoring our retirees. More than 60 members attended, including one remarkable brother celebrating 65 years of membership. It was a meaningful afternoon of reflection, recognition and camaraderie, a reminder of the strength and history of our local.
Over the summer, Local 26 hosted its annual picnics in Maryland and Virginia. RMC members once again enjoyed the thoughtful provisions made for our older members, ensuring that everyone could relax and take part comfortably.
Looking ahead, we are gearing up for our annual raffle. As always, the proceeds will help fund the purchase of medical equipment and supplies, which we make available free to members, their families and even neighbors in need.
Meanwhile, we’re waiting on a truly functional National Labor Relations Board. If the “big beautiful bill” is any sign of progress, we’ve got a long wait ahead.
Michael A. Acree, P.S.
Local 35 Honors Members with 50+ Years
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 35, HARTFORD, CT — Our local would like to give thanks to George Brooks and Robert Dynak, who took part in an Honor Flight in Washington, D.C. Thank you for all of your service.
We acknowledged the following members who have been with us for the past 55-plus years of service: Edward Adamczyk, Alfred Arico, John Benoit, Leroy Bywater, Brian Canny, Patrick Coughlin, John Dennerley, Albert Fedash, Charles Francione, Russell Molitoris, Richard Neville, Charles Rose, Vincent Sadosky and Richard Wowak (55 years); John Baracchi (60 years); and Paul Brenneman and Joseph Grassi (70 years).
Congratulations to all of you!
We would like to congratulate the HEJATC apprentice class of 2025, who graduated May 22.
Dennis Machol and I attended the graduation ceremony and spoke about the fact that we are a brotherhood and should take care of each other throughout our careers, and emphasized the importance of safety on jobsites. We also stressed that this isn’t just a job — it’s a career to be proud of!
We have seen a few new faces at our meetings, which has been great, and we hope more members will join us for upcoming meetings.
We also hope to see everyone at our annual outing. It will be Sept. 27 in Colchester. Please call the office to get tickets. It is a great day to spend with brothers and sisters from our local, and raffle prizes are always a favorite. You will enjoy great food and conversations.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day. Be safe.
Kenneth White, P.S.
Local 53 Past and Upcoming Events
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 53, KANSAS CITY, MO — Well, here we are more than halfway through the year already. Time could slow down just a little! I hope everyone is staying cool and hydrated in the heat.
Local 53 hosted its spring luncheon April 11. We had a great turnout with good food and fellowship. The following members received service pins this year: Dwight Alder, Richard Jones, Aaron Mabon and Tom Westfall (50 years); Irvin Blackard, Micheal Costigan, William Ferguson, James Gedminas, Edgar Skaggs and Richard Vote (55 years); James Anderson, Ronald Catron, Gary Hanna, Dorsey Jackson, James Love and Phillip Sperry (60 years); and Robert Miller (70 years). Congratulations to all!
At the luncheon, I announced that Secretary Duane Pearce was resigning due to some health issues. I want to thank him personally for being my partner in running the Retirees’ Club for the past nine years. Duane was very committed to the club as well as the local. We will miss you at the luncheons, my friend.
Local 53 held the 37th annual crappie tournament May 3. As usual, it was a huge success with a great turnout and a lot of participation from our younger members. Our retiree attendance has been on the decline for this event over the last few years. It would be nice to see more retirees showing up next year. Even if you don’t fish, show up for the fish fry. You will have a great time! A big thank you to all of the staff at the union hall, as I know these events take a lot of work.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events: The fall luncheon will be Oct. 3 at the hall, and the Local 53 Christmas party will be Dec. 12 at the Ameristar.
It is with sadness that I report that we lost another retiree, John Licklider. Rest in peace, brother.
Bob Stuart, Pres.
Working Together to See a Way Forward
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 58, DETROIT, MI — In Michigan, the new majority of Republications in the state House are once again proposing “right-to-work” and prevailing wage rollbacks. Plans are in the works to have an assembly of our retirees’ group members do a day trip this fall to Lansing to discuss the downside to this legislation with our representatives. As retirees, we have the time to lobby for all workers in Michigan. This isn’t a time to go backward when it comes to the economic health of Michigan workers.
Our annual August picnic was a success. Attendance was good, and the food and camaraderie made for a great time. The park in Livonia where we have had our picnic for years experienced weather damage, taking down the pavilion where we held this event. Because of this storm damage, we held the picnic indoors at our local union hall. With the intense heat that we experienced this summer, the cool interior of the hall was welcome, and a good time was had by all! We hope to have another venue in place by the 2026 picnic season.
Pat Nuznov, P.S.
Local 134’s Awards Luncheon and Theater Outing
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 134, CHICAGO, IL — Greetings to all IBEW members and staff. Here in the Chicago area, it’s been a long, hot, humid summer. I’m hoping the fall will soon bring cooler temperatures.
At our June 11 luncheon, we honored members for 50 to 70 years of service. Local 134 President Timothy Fitzgibbons joined us, shaking hands and passing out honoree pins.
This year’s recipients are Ardell W. Brown, Robert Ciukows, Thomas J. Connelly, Lawrence E. Gasser, Michael LaBaron, John J. Lake, Robert M. Najewsli, Michael M. Valin, Patrick J. Vaughan, Robert B. Vujtanonic, Robert A. Welko and Steven R. Wolski (50 years); Edward J. Bacher, John J. Bimmerle, Gary T. Bird, Harry E. Dohman, John M. Fahey, William M. Fatz, Robert J. Fitzgerald, Daniel E. Gillespie, Paul S. Hamb, John J. Hanley, Russell E. Hengels, Edward J. Howells, Lawrence P. Kaspar, James E. Martin, Martin J. Moylan, James C. Rhoges, Richard C. Rioux and Arthur F. Wenner (55 years); Nick J. Alex, John M. Armstrong, Ronald C. Gibson, Richard C. Leonatti, Theodore O. Malo, Charles J. Meyer, Daniel G. Meyer and Edward J. Schmidt (60 years); James J. Fliris, Steven C. Lindskoog, Kenneth C. Miller and James F. Popp; and Jerome F. Koch (70 years). Congratulations to all our honorees.
On June 26, a group of 42 retiree members went to Drury Lane Theater for a delicious luncheon and to see the play “Always … Patsy Cline,” featuring the hits of the late singer, which made for a very fun day.
Stay safe and well.
Susan Kleczka, P.S.
20th Year Judging Skills USA
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 257, JEFFERSON CITY, MO — For 20 years, our local’s retirees have served as electrical judges for Skills USA competitions, this year held April 11 at State Technical College. Rick Stokes, the organizer, shared that “what started as a five-year plan for judging grew into 20 years.”
A special thanks is extended to Rick for his dedication in organizing the electrical judges for this important career development event. Thanks, also, to the Local 257 judges: Greg Baquet, Sam Binkley, Jim Breid, Don Bruemmer, Ron Burkett, Mark Gilmore, Larry Jones, Bill Jurgensmeyer, John Leslie, Dan Lindenbusch, Steve Jones, Kenny Schulte, Rick Stokes, Don Straford and Jim Winemiller. First-place winners will move on to the national Skills USA Championship in Atlanta.
Condolences are sent to the family of Ted Haverich, who passed June 18. Brother Haverich was a member of the IBEW since 1978. He helped construct Callaway Nuclear Plant, Brady Commons and the MOHELA building, to name a few. He retired after 30 years of service.
Condolences are also sent to the family of Mark Hooibrink, who passed away June 29. As a journeyman electrician, he worked his whole career for Meyer Electric and retired in 2019. In 1998, Mark and his wife, Laura, renovated Claysville’s historic general store and created a family restaurant. Local 257’s Retirees’ Club held luncheon meetings at the restaurant, and we will remember the many excellent meals cooked and served by Mark and his family.
Connie Hamacher, P.S.
Local 488 Memorial Luncheon and Service Pins
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 488, BRIDGEPORT, CT — In May, our local held its annual retirees’ memorial luncheon, where we paid tribute to those who came before us and remembered those who passed away in the past year.
We extended our deepest gratitude and congratulations to our retired members, who were honored with service pins in recognition of their many years of dedication to the IBEW. These members have not only contributed countless hours of skilled labor but also upheld the values of solidarity, craftsmanship and integrity that define our union. Their hard work has powered our communities, trained future generations and helped build the strong foundation on which the IBEW continues to stand.
Attendees receiving service awards were Robert Astle, Leo Buetel, Michael Conley and Kevin Rice (50 years); Raymond Dolyak, Edwin Hickey, Robert McLevy Jr. and Edward Strell (55 years); Owen Mehle (60 years); Stephen Pannozzo (65 years); and John Surace (70 years).
Jerome White, R.S.
Summer Traditions at Local 654
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 654, CHESTER, PA — As I write about the retired members of our local, I’m sure many retirees and their families are enjoying their honored summertime traditions.
On May 31, many of our local brothers and their families attended the IBEW 654 Day at the Park, as the Philadelphia Phillies hosted the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park. We all wore Phillies T-shirts provided by our hall. Several retirees were in attendance, and it was great to see the younger members of our local there with their loved ones. Being there among our local members made the event very worthwhile and truly memorable.
On June 11, the officers and members of Local 654 put on the annual retirees’ summer luncheon for our retired brothers. This was another fantastic afternoon filled with fine food and lasting friendships.
Bill Faulkner, P.S.
